Dinner for the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace

President of the Republic of Finland Tarja Halonen and doctor Pentti Arajärvi before the dinner for the diplomatic corps at the Presidential Palace. Photo: Lehtikuva

President of the Republic Tarja Halonen and Doctor Pentti Arajärvi hosted the traditional dinner for heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Finland and their spouses at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday 17 April 2007.

The annual dinner was attended by about 180 guests. In addition to the diplomatic corps, the guest list included the members of Finland’s government along with top-ranking civil servants, artists and scientist. The President of the Republic opened the dinner with a welcome speech, which was answered by the Dean of the diplomatic corps, Dr Hanns Schumacher, Ambassador of Germany.

Musical entertainment was provided by choir Pirkanpojat and the Guard’s Band conducted by Major Elias Seppälä.

Menu:

Crème d’Asperges Sauvages

Médaillon de Truite de Mer farci de Turbot et d’Orties
Sauce aux Oignons Nouveaux

Cailles aux Gyromitres, Sauce aux Perles
Petits Légumes Printanière

Grands Vacherins, Glace à la Rhubarbe
Salade de Fraises

Speech by President Halonen to the diplomatic corps